Hull dentist says patients will be waiting ten years to see him
As part of our ‘The root of our dental crisis’ special - we’re finding out the difficulties people are experiencing getting to see a dentist
Last updated 16th Apr 2025
Out of 50 dental practices contacted across Hull and East Yorkshire, just four were accepting new NHS patients—while the rest reported waiting lists stretching into the thousands.
One NHS dentist in Hull said they're taking on patients but it won't be until 2025 until the patient will be seen.
Elsewhere Oliver Pierce who owns the Sutton dental practice in Hull says
He won't be able to see a new NHS patient for at least ten years.
Oliver, said:
“If somebody was to give me a ring today, I’d say they’re probably looking at a ten year wait.
Oliver says the current dental contracts are a big problem for dentists as they are losing out on money, he added:
“You have a situation where I see a patient and they might need three fillings, and I will get paid the same for treating that patient as if I’m seeing a new patient who hasn’t seen a dentist for 15 years who needs fifteen fillings, fifteen extractions and ten root canals.”
The Department of Health and Social Care said ministers were preparing to announce further measures to "improve" access to NHS dental surgeries.
A spokesman said:
"We are working to improve access to NHS dental care by investing more than £3 billion a year.
"We reformed the NHS dental contract to encourage more dentists to provide NHS treatments and allow dental therapists and hygienists to offer extra services, and increased the amount practices receive for high-need patients.
"There were over 500 more dentists delivering NHS care in 2022 than in 2021, but we know there is more to do and we will be announcing further measures to improve access across the country soon."